You’re trying to cook up a quick side dish for dinner, and you realize you have some canned green beans in the pantry. You could heat them on the stove, but you’re in the mood for something a little easier tonight. So you decide to try cooking them in the microwave.
But when you go to start cooking them, you realize you’re not sure how to do it correctly. Do you need to add water? How long should you cook them for? Will they get soggy if you do too much cooking?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Just follow the steps in our article, and you’ll be able to cook canned green beans in the microwave like a pro.
Can You Cook Canned Green Beans in the Microwave?
Cooking green beans in the microwave is a fast and easy way to enjoy a healthy side dish. Canned green beans are already cooked, so you just need to heat them in the microwave until they’re warm.
This makes them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning. Plus, there are tons of delicious varieties to choose from. Del Monte canned green beans are my personal favorite, but there are plenty of other brands out there that are just as good.
To cook canned green beans in the microwave, simply remove them from the can and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Then, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also add other ingredients, such as butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Is It Safe to Cook Canned Green Beans in the Microwave?
It is safe to cook canned green beans in the microwave. As long as you follow the instructions on the can, there is no need to worry about food poisoning or other health hazards.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, check the expiration date before cooking. If the beans are past their expiration date, it is best to discard them.
Second, store them properly – in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check also for any dents or damage to the can, as this can cause the beans to spoil.
And finally, don’t overcook the beans. Microwaving them for too long can cause them to become mushy or lose their flavor.
How Long Should You Cook Canned Green Beans in the Microwave?
Most brands recommend 2 minutes per can using a 1000-watt microwave.
However, cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the number of cans you are cooking.
For best results, start with the recommended cooking time and then adjust as needed. If the beans are not heated through after 2 minutes, microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
How to Cook Canned Green Beans in the Microwave
Here are the basic steps for cooking canned green beans in the microwave:
- Remove the green beans from the can and place them in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Be careful when removing the dish from the microwave, as it will be hot. Use a potholder or oven mitt to protect your hands.
- Drain any excess water from the beans before serving.
- Season with salt, pepper, and butter to taste.
Can You Reheat Leftover Canned Green Beans in the Microwave?
Though you can technically reheat canned green beans in the microwave, it is not recommended. Multiple reheating can cause the beans to lose their crunchy texture and lose flavor.
If you do choose to reheat them, be sure to add a bit of water to help retain moisture. You can also drizzle them with olive oil or add a pat of butter to help keep them from drying out.
Microwave the beans on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
5 Ways To Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better
If you’re looking for ways to make your canned green beans taste even better, here are a few ideas:
1. Use Chicken Broth
There are many different ways to cook beans, but one of the best is to cook them in chicken broth. This gives the beans a delicious savory flavor that is perfect for any dish.
Chicken broth is also packed with nutrients and helps to keep the beans moist and flavorful. In addition, cooking the beans in chicken broth helps to tenderize them, making them easier to digest.
Simply drain the green beans and add them to a bowl with chicken broth. Heat on medium-high until the beans are heated through.
2. Add Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon? Adding a few strips of bacon to your green beans will give them a smoky, salty flavor that is sure to please. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove from the heat and let cool before chopping into small pieces. Add to the green beans and it’s ready to serve.
3. Use Butter
Butter is a classic way to enhance the flavor of green beans. Simply add a few tablespoons of butter to the beans as they are cooking. The butter melts into the beans, infusing them with its rich flavor.
In addition, the butter helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the beans. As a result, a small amount of butter can go a long way in terms of enhancing the flavor of green beans.
4. Add a Few Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Olive oil is another great way to add flavor to your green beans. Simply add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the beans as they are cooking. You can also add garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese
Adding some parmesan or Asiago cheese to your green beans is a great way to give them some extra flavor. The creamy, cheesy, and nutty taste of these cheeses can help to elevate the bland taste of canned green beans.
Simply shredded a small amount of cheese over the top of the beans before serving. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
Conclusion
So there you have it: a fast and easy way to cook canned green beans in the microwave. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or something to add some flavor to your meal, this is a great option.
Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the beans are cooked properly. And, if you’re looking for ways to enhance the flavor of your green beans, don’t be afraid to try one of the ideas listed above.
With a little bit of creativity, you can turn a simple side dish into a delicious and flavorful meal.
If you’re interested in learning more about microwaving beans, be sure to check out our other articles on the subject including microwaving dried beans, and reheating refried beans in the microwave.
